British holidaymakers ‘could be forced to get a visa to go to Europe’

JETTING OFF: EU officials are putting plans together to make Brits apply for visas

But Brexit negotiations could see holidaymakers forced to apply for a visa before jetting off.

Senior EU politicians are putting together plans to make countries outside of the free movement “Schengen” zone apply for visas – similar to the system used by the US, Canada and Australia.

The system risks adding more stress to people looking for easy jetset thrills on the continent.

But officials are looking to bring in the restrictions to stop terrorists taking advantage of open European borders after attacks in France and Belgium.

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DOCUMENTS: The system could be similar to applying for an american Visa

Steve Peers, a professor of EU law at the University of Essex, believes it likely British holidaymakers will have to apply online to enter destinations such as France or Spain.

He told the Guardian: “It’s going to annoy a lot of people

“We can ask for full free movement, but any arrangement is going to have to be reciprocal, so you have to ask what Nigel Farage and the others will accept.

“We have no idea what the rules will be.”

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SAFETY: Officials hope the plans could stop terror

Europe expert Camino Mortera-Martinez added: "In theory UK citizens, as third-country nationals, would certainly be subject to the obligations” of a visa scheme similar to the ESTA system employed by the US, Canada and Australia.

She added: “This will have to be part of the Brexit talks. It will all have to be negotiated.”

The scheme would cover all visitors to the Schengen zone from countries that do not need a visa to enter.

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GETAWAY: Experts think it is likely brits will have to apply online for visas

It comes as thousands of people call for visa free migration between the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

More than 200,000 people have signed petitions for the Government to pursue a free movement treaty between the four nations.

Supporters say now Britain is set to leave the European Union's free movement zone it should reach out to old Commonwealth allies instead.